Vaporizer for internal-combustion engines.



c. E. LUGKE & WHVBR FLANGE. VAPOBIZER FOE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES. APPLICATION FILED JULY 3, 1911.

1,1 10,807, Patjenfed Sept. 15, 1914.

2 SHEETS-$3.1m 1.

.1 7 2 4b Iiuenborsu/jlne 5565' H Chares E Lucite JM ,mdwzfli -1/rl lanck- G. E. LUGKE & ALE. VER FLANGE. VAPORIZER FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGIEES,

d 1 APPLICATION FILED JULY 3, 1911, i 3. $89K Patented Sept-15, 1m.

2 SHEETSSHEET 3-.

s 2. Luczm NECIA. NATIONAL BEAR full suit: nisl i u lri'ving r A l st thispaw; such dot-uni;m-iliou of th lean- Y'Jn'iu i llitlililiallil :1 mnstu' stunt, pr use 02' the the engine utithuut rhungc (if pri -r hun l adjustment: Jlll further to plug-011 nu he vapor prmlucml with sufficient air to remler the mixture c-xplvsire :nul to maintain tlu RI'OPOVlH JHH of air to vapor suh oih: us would tunes uz'uitities as:

't. i 2 1 gum uiul u: 15:19. 1

stuntiull V mustuut. su that its (iflllilfilftlfl l in m (20111- plc-te without undue cm" at uir; :uul turthe; to regulate the amount of Slll'll explosii'r mi in the nnln\ t n chamber of ether with l; u: water in quantities sir ly regulated to c0 05 the rapidity and riolonre oi the explouwn without preventing it. T which we 1 {l in thof illrit'l' ble to 0p: ta internal with these he; liquid fuels in .2.

and rciiuhlr manner withnut the aux huh? of due in cylinder ,t at u nuixiin n has it 120" mhir unu-

nuuu a given. tlispllu'vnieiit I and at h the (",O'il lilllli tion t which i wenx i cal pi'oresrw understood and others of whirh we have (.ic-

orrzun physir .lkftlllS 0r C Yllllilcl' without i nor as to 11701 at con- V 1 ha the 1 may reuuire to carry its lead;

spray i he uu-rinmisni by K conuuistiou angina-is .nm'e of which are wunnonl j hr considerably vurwi'i g' out ul Fume pror .lruni thut shmvn i i the :u-i wui 'iii -g (l without (lupin from our invention. .llml puru" 1h We have (lisin the mech- Zilli.

i znmiu lu zz 5 7 52ml uiul riuLc-rl with mthor wcll-luuu u i'ii'uipl' in the? following.

i (I 2 liquixl fuel iii-1 tnnuir will 2 l i "'l hoil. lt hr arri; ruriuu ut' luau: a uppliuil,

with the mrhon. To the zu pli us to ps'eiuiit Vapor which precedes l lll lif; (la-rmu uisition. hieu it, thrzipplimtiuzi of heat he confined 1 liquid 01' t0 suriu 20s that are runsluntly wet with liquiil. there will ha a rcui luu lelt in that liuuirl due to the fact that most of the liquid Fuels; are complex I urea of materials luring tlil'l'erent. hoiling point-A 'lhere woul h tilt-reform he :1 teiulenvy for the vapor oi. the lighter cuntitucul. to hoil away hut'rire the heavier and lC'ilYt u residue \i'e have discovered that .whru the hailing takes place in a mass of lll lllkl muiatuntly replenished and substanj tiully C(HlFtfliit' in amount. the vapor (lisl tilled at? will have the sauna cmnposition and ClHH'H'TiQllStlCS when liquefied as the Qrigi nul fuel. and that, therefore, n0 decomposi tinn takes place in the liquid when there is prizsoni u SlllJbilliliLltlll) constant liquill body the zipplirution (if heat to which is confined lo the wetlml surfaces. The reason for this (lGFOlllPOSlilOH under these circumstances is found in the following physical explanation: It is wull-ln'mwn that liquids may e aporate m "temps 'uturcs holow their huiling points. s that :i heavy lrvclrmurhmi oil lJOnlnlXQLl. with u igl ter and hunted the vapor of the l l liquial OSC21P121I1It itshoiliug i Qint will curry (ill some if lOO ' Thus j'some otthe heavy liquid becomes vaporized at temperatures below its boiling point.

ln a complex mixture containing many constituents of different boiling points, such, .forexample, as kerosene, we have discovered that-the boiling point will continuously rise from the commencement of heating, audit the body of liquid be kept constantly replenished, will fix itself automatically at .some point between the boiling points of the heaviest and lightest constituents, at which the quantity of vapor produced at or above their boiling points will be sufiicient to carry off in this way the vapor of all the other heavier constituents below their respective boiling points. Thus will the mixture known by some trade name, as kerosene, for example, be completely vaporized without residue, provided the heat be applied to the wetted surfaces containing a body of liquid constantly replenished. In applying this principle to the vaporizer of an internal combustion engine it is found that the quantity of heat in the exhaust gases is many times that sufiicient to accomplish the vaporization, and that the temperature of. these exhaust gases is amply high for the purpose. It is desirable that the vapor exhaust at constant atmospheric pressure in order that the making of mixture of constant proportions of the vapor with atmospheric air may be accomplished by two vet orifices, through one of which thesvapor is drawn, and through the other of which air is drawn by the suction of the engine. The constancy of the proportions demands for such set orifices a constancy of pressure of vapor at atmospheric value because the air itself exists under that condition. For

this reason we carry out our boiling processcs for, producing the vapor at atmospheric pressureby having the boiler constantly in communication/with the air by a sufficiently wide orifice, as the amount of heat in the exhaust gases will at all times be more-than suf hcient to produce the vapor needed for com bastion, and as the excess is greater'at some times than others, especially during change from full load to no load, we rovide a condensing chamber on the top oi the vaporizer by extending the surfaces surrounding the orifice that-maintains constant communication between the boiler and the air, and in order .thatthese surfaces shall not be too extensive, cool them with water, but it must be understood that this water is not essential to the processes. Our vaporizer, therefore, consists of a boilento which ,is constantly supplied liquid fuel, and which is heated on its wetted surfaces by the exhaust gases. The boiler is closed except for a passage leading from its top to the open air, of large capacity; This assage is extended sufiiciently to condense a l excess vapor, the

condensed liquid running back into the boiler through the same passageway through which it originally escaped. To this boiler, at a point above the liquid level, is attached an orifice carrying a needle valve to permit the engine to suck an adjustable amount of vapor from the boiler into a mixing cham bor carrying likewise an air orifice and damper, and similarly a water orifice and needle valve.

ie'l erl'in g rjto the drawings illustrating one form of this apparatusFigure 1 represents a side elevation of part of an engine cylinder having our improved vaporizer attached thereto; Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the engine cylinder and a cross section of the vaporizing attachment; Fig. 3-is a top view of a base platedetached from the vaporizer,

showing the exhaust passage from the engine, and beside it an opening for the admission of a torch to supply initial heat; Fig. 1 is a top view of the vaporizer, partly in section, along the line A-B of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a cross section along the line B-C of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a vertical section of aconstant level cup for supplying liquid fuel to the vaporizer; Fig. 7 represents a side elevation of part of Fig. 4; and Fig. 8 is a vertical section of Fig. 5 along the line CD.

The same reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views.

1 represents the power cylinder of an internal combustion engine; 2 a cylinder head having an intakevalve 3 and exhaust valve 4 controlling the admission and exhaust ports formed therein; 5 a valve operating lever; -6 a passage leading from the mixing chamber 7 to the admission port, and 8 a passage for the exhaust gases leading from the exhaust port. The intake port is provided with a flanget) at its upper end whereby it is secured to the lower end of the mixingchamber 7.

10 represents the vaporizer, including a base plate 11 secured to the flange 12 at the upper end of the exhaust port 8, and provided with a central opening 13 therein that communicates with the exhaust an additional passagewaylqE terminating in a downward extending cylindrical portion 15 provided with a plug 16. 4

port, and

17 represents an open space into which the I exhaust gases flow from the orifice 13, causing them to remain-ip contact with the bottom 18 of the vaporizer before they escape through openings 19 w an annular chamber 20, finally reaching the exhaust pipe-connection 21 and escaping thence to the atmosphere.

22 represents a cylindrical boiler provided with inner and outer walls 23 and 24: re-

spectively, spaced apart in a manner forming the intervening annular chamber 20,

through which the exhaust gases circulate, and containing likewise the raised bottom 18, provided at its upper and lower sur with heat radiating ribs 25. the boiler directly through which the l from o \vall pixjcci bcl The bottom ab .ve the passage 13 ct exhaust gases escape and its inclosiug I the bottom und is cured te the base plate 11. i re ncsents a common form of constant lever lied cup connnimicating with the boiler by means of pipe the ciip being supplied with liquid through inlet pipe 29 opening into its bottom portion, and which may be connected to a source ol' upply. The excess of liquid fuel supplied escapes through an overlioiv pipe 30 that conducts it to the supplytanl; in any preferred manner. The constant level feed cup is adapted to maintain predetermined quan means or e pipe.

no constantly open communicating and wind-rinsing chamb r arranged above he boiler and coninim' eating Willi mosphere by means of o enings ne upper end of its side WnllS. chc. ing spaced from the boiler cover tached to itby means of a pipe 33. condcnsin -g chamber or tree boiler ventcludcs an outer cylindrical vessel a flange on its upper end, to \vhicl tached :1 cover plate 36.

2? repr 'uts a cylindrical vessel arranged within the outer one and having an intervening space between the two, and having interior walls 39 to give a large surface of represents a cover for the boiler.

contact beiiveen the water in the chamber and the vapor in chamber 38 represents a cylindrical baiile open its upper end and received by v "sel 37. its lower end being provided with a flange 39 whereby it is secured to the bottom of the condensing chamber, and 40 represents openings through the lower ends of the Walls of the hafile for the of condensed vapor. The inner vessel 37 attached to the ci'mdcnser cover which. in turn, carries a pipe connection 42 to supply water to the vessel. and another pipe ill for its escape. the Water being" supplied-to this chamber from the jacket of the engine cylinder or other source of supply. It mustbe understood that this condenser cover may be entirely removed and no Water supplied at all. colidensation taking place by contact with the air. water being used as here indicated merely to suliicientlv reduce the amount of suri'ace needed.

'lhc mixing chamber T includes :1 vcriically arranged cylindrical passaneivav 44-. se ured to the side of the boiler and halving a vapor adiui sion valve l5 adapted to control a port 46 comn'iunicatiun with lhe upper part of the boiler. The Wall of the mixingchamber includes a part of the outer wall of chamber 20. and the two chambers tity of liquid fuel in the boiler by faces l receive hear from the eniiv l giver, that through openings 1 lea ing iiom the bottom of the boiler lo the annular passaflesurrouiuliu it. The upper cud oi 'ng chamber communicai" Will] the atmosphere by mea s of a pipe and i8 representsa con'unon form of butterlly vulic or damper located in the llllXl] j chamber between the vapor inlet port and the air. This diunper is adapted to regulate the sup ply oi air (ll'flWll into the mixing chamber. an '19 represents a similar valve located be tween the vapor inlet val e and the engine inlet passage. adapted to control the supply oi usiiied m xture passing to the engine from the mixing chamber. A hell crank lever 50 is secured to the stem of valve 49. and one arm of this lever may be attached to the governor mechanism of the engine by means of the rod 51. the other arm being connected to a lever secured to the stem of valve is by means of a linl; 53. These two dampers 4S and all) may be adjusted one with respect to the other. and once adjusted may be permanently connected. maintaining" a constant proportion of vapor to air tor all positions of the governor rod 51, in accordance with the load demand.

For rue purpose of supplying Water to the explosive mixture there is provided a port 5% in the wall of the mixing chamber hav ing' an adjusting valve to regulate the How water from the source of supply to the mixing chamber in a manner similar to that for regulating the lieu of vapor to the mixing chamber. Water supplied to the port 54' by a pipe 56 communicating with a constant level feed cup 5? whichyin turn. is supplied with water from the jacket or other source through ieed pipe 58, the excess of supply over demand escaping to the over iloiv pipe 59. The overflow edge of the overflow pipe 55) determines the height of Water in this cup, and to be placed suliiciently below the ater min pipe 56 to prevent any water entering the mixing chamber at no load. at which time the vacuum in the mixing chamber a minimum and insufficientto lift the u ater to the port 54.

ll hcn the apparatus is in operation oil is supplied to the constant level cup from a source of supply by means of a pump or lueans equivalent thereto. From this cup it flows into the boiler until the level in the boiler has become substantially equal to that in the cup, which level will be conlantly maintained. thus introducing a body oi liquid in the boiler. against the bottom of which the hot exhaust. gases come in con tact. Before starting the engine the boiler is heated by means or" a torch supplied to the pipe connected to the opening 14, the plug'having' been removed for that purpose.

me:,;ns of a torch This application of heat by is to be continued until the liquid in the boiler has reached a boiling condition and vapor is rising to the condenser, where it is condensed and returned. At this time the vapor valve 455 will be opened a suitable amount and the engine started. As soon as the engine is in operation the heat from the exhaust gases as they flow under the boiler and around its sides is sufficient to rapidly vaporize the oil and maintain not only a suiiicient supply of vapor for the engine, but in addition enough to maintain constantly a condition of condensation in the condenser with return of liquid. At this time the plug is to be reinserted in the passage, thus closing it and directing the exhaust up the exhaust passage.

What we claim as our invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A vaporizer for internal combustion engines including, in combination, a boiler adapted to contain a limited amount of liquid fuel, means for maintaining a predetermined level of liquid in said boiler, said boiler having a surrounding heat receiving chamber open to the atmosphere, an engine cylinder provided with intake and exhaust orts said heat receivin chamber communieating with said exhaust port, a vapor condenser arranged above said boiler and having free communication with the upper level thereof and with the atmosphere, and a separate mixing chamber having a valve controlled port communicating directly with said boiler and with said cylinder intake port.

2. A vaporizer for internal combustion engines including, in combination, a boiler adapted to contain a limited amount of liquid fuel, means for maintaining a predetermined level of fuel in said boiler, said boilerhaving a raised bottom and a sur-- rounding heat receiving chamber extending below said bottom and above the level of liquid in said boiler, an engine cylinder provided with'intake and exhaust ports, said heat receiving chamber communicating with said exhaust port, a vapor condenser arranged above said boiler, and an open pipe connection between the bottom of said condenser and the upper part of said boiler, the upper part'of said condenser being in free communication with the atmosphere, and a mixing chamber attached to the side of said boiler and having a Valve controlled port communicating with the upper level thereof and with said intake port.

3. A vaporizer for internal combustion engines including, in combination, a boiler adapted to contain a limited amount bf liquid fuel, means for maintaining a predetermined level of liquid in said boiler, a source of heat supply communicating with said boiler, a vapor condenser having an opening in its bottom in free communication with the upper part of said boiler and other openings in its walls at its upper level in free communication with the atmosphere, a water vessel arranged within said condenser, the bottom of said vessel having vertical interior walls forming Vertical chambers that are open at their lower ends, a baliie secured to the bottom of said condenser, surrounding the opening therein that communicates with said boiler and projecting into the chamber m said water vessel, an engine cylinder, and

a mixing chamber communicating therewith and with said boiler.

4. A vaporizer for internal combustion engines including, in combination, an engine cylinder having intake and exhaust passages communicating therewith, a boiler mounted upon said cylinder and adapted to 'contain a limited amount of liquid fuel, means for maintaining a predetermined level of liquid in said boiler, said boiler having a surrounding chamber communicating with said exhaust passage, a vapor condenser arranged above said boiler and having an open pipe connection therewith, said condenser having free communication at its upper level with the atmosphere, a water vessel arranged within said condenser and having vertical interior walls forming chambers that are open at their lower ends, a cylindrical battle secured to the bottom of said condenser surrounding said open pipe connection, having its open upper end extending into the chamber formed in the bot tom of said water vesesel, said battle having openings near the lower ends of its walls permitting the condensed vapor to flow back to the boiler, a mixing chamber connected with one side of said boiler and communicating with said engine cylinder, and a valve controlled port communicating with said mixing chamber and the upper level of said boiler. 5. A vaporizer for internal combustion engines including, in combination, an engine cylinder having intake and exhaust passages, a boiler, means for maintaining predetermined level of liquid fuel in said boiler, a base plate secured to the lower end of said boiler, there being an intervening space between the bottom of said boiler and said plate, an opening in said plate communicating with said exhaust passage, an annular chamber surrounding said. boiler and communicating with the space below the bottom thereof and with the atmosphere, a mixing chamber connected with said boiler,

ing part of the outer wall of said annular chamber whereby the exhaust gases come in direct contact with the inner wall of said mixing chamber, a valve controlled port communicating with said mixing chamber and said boiler, and a vapor condenser hav mg free communication with the upper part of sai boiler and the atmosphere.

the inner wall of said mixing chamber form- 6. A vaporizer for internal combustion engines including, in combination, an engine cylinder including a cylinder head having valve controlled intake and exhaust ports therein, mixture and exhaust passages leading upward from said ports and terminat ing in flanged heads, a base plate secured to the head of said exhaust passage and having an opening therein communicating With said passage, a boiler secured to said base plate, said boiler having double Walls proecting above and below the bottom thereof, forming a chamber surrounding said boiler, a passage leading from said chamber to the atmosphere. openings in the inner Wall of said chamber and communicating with the space oetiveen the bottom of said ooiler and said base plate, a constant level cup mechanism communicating with the source of liquid fuel supply and said boiler in a manner to maintain a constant level of liquid therein, a cover secured to said boiler and having an' opening therein in free communication with the bottom of a vapor condensing chamber arranged above said boiler, said condensing chamber having its upper level in free communication with the atmosphere, a Water vessel arranged Within said condensing chamber, a vertically arranged mixing chamber secured to the flanged head of said intake passage and to the side of said boiler, and a valve controlled port communicating with the upper level of said boiler and said mixing chamber.

7. In a vaporizer for internal combustion engines, the combination of a boiler, a liquid fuel supply means adapted to maintain a predetermined level of liquid fuel in said boiler, a condenser mounted on said boiler a source of heat supply for said boiler, and means whereby the liquid fuel in said boiler may be vaporized at all times at atmospheric pressure.

8. In a vaporizer for internal combustion engines, the combination of a boiler in communication at all times with the atmosphere, liquid fuel supply means adapted to maintain a predetermined level of liquid fuel in said boiler, a condenser mounted on said boiler and a source of heat supply for said boiler.

CHARLES E. LUCKE, lVitnesses E. G. PHAIR, FRANK C. Ema.

WILLIAM EVERETT YER PLANCK.

\W'itnesses ALEX. F. MACDONALD, BERTHA S. OESER. 

